Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1887-11-25
OVER THE RIO GRANpE.
The Old Adobe Town of Paso Del Norte.
Scenes Along the Railroad.


Crossing the iron bridge over the Rio
Grande the first place is Paso Del Norte, a
Mexican town of about COCO inhabitants. 1t
is an old adobe town, embowered in trees and
vines. As we passed rapidly through its
dusty streets and glided by its gay houses
surrounded by high adobe walls, beautiful
gardens, rich with flowers and trees of mag
nificent foliage. were to he seen on either
side. Here and there picturesque group OF
natives, clad in cotton shirts and pants, their
heads shaded by straw sombreros of huge di-
mensions were at work in the fields or idling
beneath the shade of magnificent trees
Again they were to he seen tramping behind
the patient burro, or riding that useful ami
NAL through the dusty streets. 1t is conf
cal sight to see little, dusky, long cared ami
NAL carrying native whose feet are hanging
within foot or so of mother earth; or pack
ing load of wood or hay SO large that one
can only see head decorated with a pair OF
long ears, four feet in rapid motion and
tail wagging as if it expressed naught but
pleasure and contentnent.
In the doors and windows now and then
we caught a glimpse of senorita, who
favored us with glance from pair of
sparkling eyes, Little bare legged urchins
seemed to be plentiful, and as they ran out
in the dust to view the train or stood clinglng
timidly to their mothers skirts we could not
help wondering what their ideas of the iron
horse were and what changes American capt.
tai and energy would make in their land ere
they passed the line that divides childhood
and manhood Paso Del Norte lies in 8
beautiful valley and the surrounding mount
aims standing with the shadows of the setting
sun upon them, enhanced the scene by their
picturesqueness. In few moments we ar
rived at the Mexican Central station, q fine
adobe structure with an open court, in the
center of which were magnificent tropical
plants and flowers. There are ample veran
das on all sides, on which open offices, waiting
rooms and a restaurant. After partaking Of
n good supper we attended to our baggage.
The custom officers examined it and placed a
card on every article, which permitted 1t to
enter the republic. They were very courte-
Gus and by no means prying in their examin
alton.
Leaving Paso Del Norte we pass through the
country south, along valleys surrounded by
low mountain ranges and through the rici
pastures of San Juan, Encinales and Sauz.
Each little station pours forth its crowd OF
dusky inhabitants, and although we hear
the click of the telegraph and see the wei
known sign of Wells-Fargo, we look in vair
for the enterprisiRg American. Vendors OF
fruit, candies, milk, chocolate and bread cry
their goods upon each side of us wherever we
made a stoppage. The country is a pastora
one on an enormous scale Many thousand.
of cattle are grazing near the track and thei'
trails run in all directions. AS there are NJ
fences we often hear the sharp toot of the
whistle, and as we crane our necks out Of the
| scampering away from the train. Night ap
preaching we withdrew from the windows
and after Willing away few hours care
| playing, singing, etc, we retired to our com
Portable berths.-Cor. San Francisco Chroni
| clio